Sponsored by OUTtv Media Global and Aberystwyth University, this initiative will provide up to £20,000 in financial support to one project
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY PEXELS
The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival has unveiled the third round of the Iris Prize Documentary Film Finance Fund, offering a transformative opportunity for emerging LGBTQIA filmmakers in the UK. This groundbreaking initiative, sponsored by OUTtv Media Global and Aberystwyth University, seeks to foster diversity and inclusion within the filmmaking landscape by providing financial support of up to £20,000.
Iris Prize is now inviting UK-based LGBTQIA documentary filmmakers to submit their compelling projects. With a runtime requirement of 22/25 minutes or 40 minutes, the Fund is particularly interested in amplifying voices from underrepresented communities.
The Iris Prize Documentary Film Finance Fund has already left an incredible mark on the cinematic landscape. In 2022, the inaugural award was bestowed upon Bristol-based filmmaker Somina Fombo for Some Girls Hate Dresses, a poignant exploration of black British tomboys from the 1990s. The second award went to London-based Ira Putilova, whose upcoming documentary focuses on a queer Muay Thai club in London, addressing rising hate crime by empowering the LGBTQIA community through martial arts.
Angela Clarke, Iris Prize said: “We are delighted to announce that our third round of Documentary Film Finance Funding is open, and we look forward to receiving applications from across the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity for UK-based documentary filmmakers with LGBTQIA stories to share. For those filmmakers who wish to know more about the fund, and how it works, please join us on Zoom on 29 February at 5 pm, where we can answer your questions.”
Key dates:
Thursday 29 February 2024: Zoom call with Angela Clarke and Grant Vidgen for interested filmmakers
Sunday 31 March 2024: Last date for the receipt of applications.
April 2024: Shortlisting process.
Thursday 2 May, 2024: Shortlist announced. Between three and six projects maximum.
June/July 2024: Summer School in Aberystwyth (TBC) with support of the Theatre Film and Television Department at Aberystwyth University.
August/September 2024: Announce the selected project commission.
Further details about the fund can be found here: Documentary Film Financing Fund – Iris Prize
Iris Prize will return this year: Tuesday 8 October – Sunday 13 October 2024.
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